Sunday, December 21, 2008

Merry Christmas 2008!

It may be that time of year again, yet despite Singapore's attempts to instill the Christmas spirit and convince us that the three wise men were actually looking for a great deal at Plaza Singapura rather than the Messiah, I can't say it feels quite the same. This could be due to the fact that I haven't been able to count down to Christmas with a chocolate advent calendar this year. It could also be due to the fact that I have not been able to get in some quality Christmas specials either(although I did manage to catch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Thank you YouTube.)

But in reality, I'd have to say the main reason it doesn't quite feel like Christmas is the fact that I'm so far away from you, my friends and family, as well as any decent turkey stuffing. That being said, this Christmas will nonetheless be an incredibly memorable one (especially when I start to experience the dreaded watery bowel movements that seem to plague 30-70% of travellers in India).

Laura and I arrived in Bengalore two nights ago, and have since moved south to the city of Mysore. What I can say about India thus far is that it is absolutely mind-blowing and unlike anywhere I have ever been or anything I have ever seen. This is a country that is just rife with the bizarre and uncanny, which will make writing this blog over the next few months considerably easier considering that the episodes will essentially write themselves (I must also say that India is perhaps THE most photogenic country I've ever been, and even after two days I've amassed over 100 photos).

I have decided that I'll wait until I return to Singapore to begin updating the blog, due mainly to the possible infrequency of internet cafes and my desire to throw in as many pictures as possible to give you a better vision of what this place is really like. Fans of my short film "Postcards from Vancouver" will also be happy to know that Cubic Monkey and Ugly Monkey are along for the ride, as well as Laura's friend Andrea (who inspired the "If Vancouver Was in the NWT" sketch). A possible sequel entitled "Cubic Monkey and Ugly Monkey in India" is currently in development (the original "Saga of a Rag Doll of a Cubic Monkey" can be seen on this site for those interested).

Anyway, this has been a big year travel-wise, with trips to Spain, Singapore, Malaysia, and now India, and I thank all of you who have been along for the ride and sent me your comments and updates in response to what you read. It does mean a lot and it's greatly appreciated. Next year will prove to be bigger and better, with trips to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and possibly Indonesia and New Zealand. So brace yourselves for another year of wit and insightful commentary, as well as the usual plethora of pictures and smattering of videos. Sometime in between that I'll have to find time to go to work.

All the best in the New Year,

B.

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